Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Students from Year 9 upwards are invited to join the Combined Cadet Force. It meets every Tuesday evening and on occasional weekends. There are Field Days, involving visits to army training areas, and regular opportunities for RAF cadets to go flying.

The CCF has an army and RAF section. Students can open up new and exciting challenges for themselves, take on positions of responsibility and improve their leadership skills. They can become involved in learning how to operate a store and other administrative tasks, or planning and taking lessons on the ‘recruit’ or ‘advanced’ courses. Older students in the CCF can complete a BTEC award, equivalent to four GCSE passes, which focuses on testing the tasks carried out within the cadet force.

The CCF can be linked into the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme as many of the skills overlap. Throughout the year there are opportunities to participate in hill walking, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing and other skills such as military exercises, first aid and the use of radios, to name but a few. The Combined Cadet Force is not just for those interested in a military career - it is for everyone.

'The Ratcliffe College CCF had a very successful Biennial Inspection day on the 6th October 2009, where Brigadier Richardson MBE, commander of 49 Brigade was the inspecting Officer. The cadets put on a variety of excellent displays to show off the skills they had learnt since joining the CCF. The RAF section had a marquee with videos and displays highlighting their achievements and the Army section put on a number of practical displays. It was extremely pleasing to see so many parents on the day, supporting their children and the CCF unit.' Major M Balmbra